Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and lies on the Lhasa River in a valley. It is the second most populated city in Tibet and at 3,490m is one of the highest cities in the world. Traditional home to the Dalai Lama, Lhasa has significance to the Buddhist world. It is home to the Potala Palace (once home of the Dalai Lama), and Jokhang Temple, among other sights of cultural interest.
This tour will take you on a cultural and heritage tour of Lhasa then head straight to the coiling scorpion-lake of Yamdrotso before heading to the glacier-draped Karola Pass to Gyantse with its must-see Pelkor Chöde Monastery with Gyantse Kumbum. Then on to Shigatse, with its impressive Tashilump Monastery, one of the six big monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet.
Take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, with panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya Mountains. On arrival, our local Tibetan tour guide and driver will greet you at Lhasa Airport with a traditional Tibetan white scarf to wish you good luck. Transfer to the hotel. Today is an essential acclimation day. You are free to explore the city yourself but we suggest you go very slowly and do not overtax yourself in the high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat lightly, and, if possible do not take a shower today as it is believed not showering on the first day at altitude is the best way to avoid any altitude related problems.
Overnight: suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis HotelAfter breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery, with space to house more than 10,000 monks, and former residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, continue the tour with a visit to the Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa's disciple, Jamchen Choeje. Here we can witness Buddhist scripture debating held in the courtyard between 15:00 - 17:00 from Monday to Saturday.
Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis HotelAfter breakfast, visit the famous Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. First built by the 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century, and rebuilt in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama, it is now a museum and world heritage site. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Temple in the centre of old Lhasa city. Jokhang Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Tibet and it is always bustling with local pilgrims. After that your tour continues with a visit around Barkhor Street, one of the most devotional circuits of Lhasa, as well as being a crowded central market. Located in old Lhasa city, Barkhor Street is a circular street surrounding Jokhang Temple.
Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis HotelUsing a Toyota Parado vehicle for your comfort, we will pass Gampala Pass (4,794m) on the way to Shigatse and visit Yamdrok Lake. At 638km², Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by many snow-capped mountains, it is fed by numerous small streams. Later we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier while heading towards the main monastery in Gyants: the – Pelkor Chode Monastery. The monastery is a short walk from the heart of the town.
Overnight: Qomo Langzong Hotel in ShigatseIn the morning, we will visit the home of the Panchen Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery, founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. It is a historic and culturally important monastery, whose name means "all fortune and happiness gathered here". Drive back to Lhasa.
Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis HotelPhone: +97714417959, Website: gurkhaencounters.com, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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